Lipo-Chitooligosaccharides as Regulatory Signals of Fungal Growth and Development
Rush TA, Puech-Pages V, Bascaules A, Jargeat P, Maillet F, Haouy A, Maes AQ, Carriel CC, Khokhani D, Keller-Pearson M, Tannous J, Cope KR, Garcia K, Maeda J, Johnson C, Kleven B, Choudhury QJ, Labbe J, Swift C, O'Malley MA, Bok JW, Cottaz S, Fort S, Poinsot V, Sussman MR, Lefort C, Nett J, Keller NP, Becard G, Ane JM
2020, Nature Communications, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-17615-5
Abstract
Lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs) are signaling molecules produced by rhizobial bacteria that trigger the nodulation process in legumes, and by some fungi that also establish symbiotic relationships with plants, notably the arbuscular and ecto mycorrhizal fungi. Here, we show that many other fungi also produce LCOs. We tested 59 species representing most fungal phyla, and found that 53 species produce LCOs that can be detected by functional assays and/or by mass spectroscopy. LCO treatment affects spore germination, branching of hyphae, pseudohyphal growth, and transcription in non-symbiotic fungi from the Ascomycete and Basidiomycete phyla. Our findings suggest that LCO production is common among fungi, and LCOs may function as signals regulating fungal growth and development.
Citation
Rush TA, Puech-Pages V, Bascaules A, Jargeat P, Maillet F, Haouy A, Maes AQ, Carriel CC, Khokhani D, Keller-Pearson M, Tannous J, Cope KR, Garcia K, Maeda J, Johnson C, Kleven B, Choudhury QJ, Labbe J, Swift C, O’Malley MA, Bok JW, Cottaz S, Fort S, Poinsot V, Sussman MR, Lefort C, Nett J, Keller NP, Becard G, Ane JM. (2020) Lipo-Chitooligosaccharides as Regulatory Signals of Fungal Growth and Development. Nature Communications. DOI:10.1038/s41467-020-17615-5